MLBPA Grants Jay-Z Agent Certification

The Major League Baseball Players Association has officially certified Jay-Z as an agent, according to ESPN's Darren Rovell (on Twitter). Liz Mullen of the Sports Business Journal adds that two other executives from Roc Nation Sports — Jay-Z's startup agency — have been certified to negotiate player contracts. She adds that Jay-Z is now certified to negotiate both MLB and NBA contracts (Twitterlinks).

Jay-Z's desire to work his way into the world of sports representation was first reported back in April. The rapper/entrepreneur merged with CAA Sports to create Roc Nation Sports, with an eye on negotiating a contract extension between Robinson Cano and the Yankees. Cano left the Boras Corporation in early April in order to hire Jay-Z and CAA agent Brodie Van Wagenen as his representatives.

MLBPA director Michael Weiner said back in April that the MLBPA would consider Roc Nation's applications for certification, but they first needed to determine if there were conflicts based on his interest in the Brooklyn Nets.